Messages for U.S. Citizens

Location: Colombo 07, Sri Lanka, Event: The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens of a protest march organized by the Inter- University Buddhist Monks Federation that will be held today. Protesters plan to gather in the Albert Crescent area and march to the University Grants Commission on Ward Place. About 400 – 500 members are estimated to ...

Location: Sri Lanka, island wide, 1-7 May Event: Between 1-7 May, the U.S. Embassy expects various groups and political parties will hold parades and rallies in conjunction with the annual Labor Day holiday. Known locations include, but are not limited to, Colombo, Jaffna, Galle, and Batticaloa. We expect these gatherings to be peaceful but people should anticipate ...

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka Event: The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that between 100-150 people are expected at a protest organized by the Socialist Youth Front in front of the Embassy today at approximately 4:00 pm. The Embassy will monitor the situation as it develops and provide updates as necessary. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can ...

Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism and civil unrest. Terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities. A country-wide state of emergency is in effect. ...

There is an increased chance of protests in central Male in response to emerging political developments. Further demonstrations are possible over the weekend. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or ...

The U. S. Embassy informs U. S. citizens that a demonstration by a group of student today, Thursday, January 25, 2018. Although the exact time and expected route of the protest have not been confirmed, it could involve up to 4000 protestors and result in road closures along Galle Road and near Town Hall. Expect heavy ...

The U.S. Embassy has been notified of an expected protest today at 1300 at Galle Face Green. The Embassy has also received word that a separate group will be gathering in the Maligawatte area at 1300 to march to Galle Face Green, possibly to join up with the first group. Expect heavy traffic and congestion ...

The U. S. Embassy informs U. S. citizens that a demonstration by the Front Line Socialist Party is planned in front of the US Embassy today, Tuesday, 17th October 2017. Although the time and expected size of the protest have not been confirmed, it could begin as early as 10 am, and involve up to ...

The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens of a protest scheduled to take place today by the JVP and University students against SITAM Private Medical College. Approximately 3000-5000 protestors will assemble in several small towns outside of Colombo and march toward Lipton Circus, planning to arrive at approximately 2:20 PM (see the below map for possible ...

The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that approximately 1,000 people are currently demonstrating near Parliament. At this time Parliament Road is closed to traffic. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information that at approximately 3:00pm today there will be a religious procession of between 400 and 500 people starting at St. Michael’s Road. The procession will continue onto Galle Road (in front of the embassy), Rotunda Gardens, Pittala Junction, Duplication Road, and back up Galle Road to St. Michael’s. There ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information about a protest that is underway at Galle Face Green. About 100 people carrying Indian flags are gathered may intend on protesting outside the Indian High Commission. At this time the group is not blocking traffic or creating problems in the area. Please take note if you plan on transiting ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information about a student protest that is underway that began from Fort Railway Station today. About 600 students were marching towards Ceramic Junction. At this time Lotus Road is closed to traffic from the Ceramic Junction up to Galle Face. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be ...

U.S. Embassy Colombo has been made aware of an increase in incidents involving Tuk-tuk drivers in the Colombo area inappropriately touching female passengers. The U.S. Embassy reminds all U.S. Citizens to maintain situational awareness when in public and at home to avoid being a victim of crime. Please consider the following security tips: Females should avoid traveling in ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information about a student protest organized by the Inter-University Student Federation (IUSF) today at noon against the SITAM (Private Medical College). Over 500 students are expected to assemble in front of Fort Railway Station, and then march to the University Grants Commission (UGC) at Ward Place via Union Place and Town ...

The U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka informs U.S. citizens that Sri Lanka celebrates International Workers’ Day on May 1, 2017. Organized rallies and demonstrations are planned in Colombo and other areas throughout Sri Lanka. The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka urges U. S. citizens travelling to exercise caution and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Please also anticipate ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information about a student protest today at approximately 1:30 pm. Approximately 400-500 students are expected to assemble at Horton Place and march to the Presidential Secretariat. Police have assembled in the area near Horton Place. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information about an ongoing protest in front of the Indian High Commission, next to the American Center. Protesters are currently marching toward the Galle Face area. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations; ...

The U.S. Embassy received information that there will be a demonstration today at approximately 03:30 pm. Approximately 200-300 protesters are expected to assemble at Fort Railway Station and proceed to Temple Trees. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please exercise caution if in the vicinity of any ...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued Travel Guidance for Maldives regarding the risk of Zika virus infection. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their medical provider and consider postponing nonessential travel to Maldives. Men whose partners are pregnant or are considering pregnancy should talk ...

There is a student protest march on Galle Road in Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya). Several groups coming from different directions are meeting in an unknown location near Galle Road. The Police have closed Kollupitiya Junction and part of Galle Road. The embassy recommends avoiding areas near any protest/parade.

The US Embassy has received information of a special traffic plan that will be implemented for the Perahara parade, beginning at 5 PM today. The parade will begin at the Gangaramaya temple, and travel along Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Sri Jinaratana Road, Utharananda Mawatha, and return to the temple through Navam Mawatha. It is expected ...

This weekend the Colombo area will be faced with multiple road closures and delays due to the Independence Day parade and related activities. The following areas will be affected: The section of Galle Road extending from the Galle Face Roundabout to Old Parliament Roundabout will be closed to the public between 5 a.m. and 12 ...

About 200-300 protesters are marching towards Temple Trees from Slave Island passing through James Peiris Mawatha and Gangaramaya. Police have blocked off several potential routes, including Galle Road south of the US Embassy. Traffic in the area is extremely heavy. As always, the Embassy recommends avoiding the areas near any protest/parade.

The US Embassy has received information of a planned protest to take place in front of the US Embassy around noon today. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations; avoid any gathering crowds that might be forming; monitor ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information that a protest march organized by the Inter-University Student Federation (IUSF) has begun in the vicinity of Town Hall. It is believed that 1,500 students will march towards Galle Road and attempt to march north to the Presidential Secretariat. Police riot squads have been positioned along the march route, and ...

The U.S. Embassy received information that there will be a demonstration organized at approximately 10:00 a.m. The protesters are expected to assemble at Nelumpokuna Stadium and will proceed to the Presidential Secretariat. The protest is expected to last until 3:00 p.m. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information that the Lotus Road Roundabout is temporarily closed due to a protest march. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations; monitor media coverage of local events; and be aware of surroundings at ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information that a demonstration is planned for outside the Embassy at noon. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations; monitor media coverage of local events; and be aware of surroundings at all times.

The U.S. Embassy has received information that Galle Road is currently closed north of the Galle Face roundabout due to a protest. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations; monitor media coverage of local events; and be aware ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information regarding multiple demonstrations in Colombo throughout the day. Locations of demonstrations include Fort Railway Station, Galle Face, Horton Place and Thumulla Junction. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations; monitor media coverage ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information regarding a demonstration underway at Olcott Mawatha. The west bound lane in front of the Fort railway station is closed. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations; monitor media coverage of local ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information regarding a demonstration underway at Ceramic Junction Fort. Lotus Road is closed for traffic at this time. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations; monitor media coverage of local events; and be ...

The U.S. Embassy has received information that there is a protest march underway at Viharamaha Devi Park, Colombo 7. Ward Place is partially blocked as a result. Current information is that route runs through Kannaggara Mawatha – Lipton Circus – Ward Place – University Grants Commission. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to ...

The Embassy has received information about a protest of approximately 250 people at the Colombo Fort Railway Station moving towards Ceramic Junction. Expect police presence and heavy traffic congestion. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the area during the demonstration. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please ...

Don’t wait, return your voted ballot right away! Remember U.S. embassies and consulates are not polling places; same-day in-person voting is not available outside the United States. The majority of states require voted ballots to reach local election officials by the close of polls on Tuesday, November 8. U.S. citizens who want to participate in ...

Security Message for U.S. Citizens Zika Virus The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued Travel Guidance for Maldives regarding the risk of Zika virus infection. Zika virus is endemic . The risk of Zika to travelers, especially pregnant women, in endemic countries is likely lower (but not zero) ...

Be an Active Voter by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2016 U.S. elections and participating in Absentee Voting Week! In many states, the voter registration deadline for the November 2016 elections is October 10. For some voters this might mean their paper voter registration and absentee ballot request must reach their local ...

June 27, 2016 July 4th Voting Message Celebrate democracy this 4th of July by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2016 U.S. elections! In order to vote in the November 2016 elections, all overseas U.S. citizens need to have completed a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) in 2016. Whether you are a first-time voter or have already received ...